CLEVELAND — Akron native, Anthony Claytor, has become the first four-year college graduate from the LeBron James Family Foundation’s first I PROMISE School class.

What You Need To Know

  • I PROMISE scholar Anthony Claytor earned a four-year degree from Kent State University in May
  • He graduated a year ahead of schedule
  • He is the first KSU college graduate from the LeBron James Family Foundation’s first I PROMISE School class

Claytor graduated from Kent State University in May, a year ahead of schedule.

He was able to attend the university on a scholarship, with free tuition for all four years through a partnership with KSU and the LeBron James Family Foundation.

“It’s really uplifting and it is really exciting. I really made it, I of made a change,” Claytor said. “I kind of broke the cycle in my family by becoming the first graduate.” 

He was able to get ahead by taking post-secondary classes while still in high school, which helped him earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology and justice studies, and a minor in sociology.

“Overall, I’m just really glad to make this stepping stone for others,” He said. “So that they can also follow in my path.” 

Devi Wintrode with the LeBron James Family Foundation said Claytor is a great example for the other students in the program. 

“Now seeing Anthony graduate college has just been something I think none of us imagined seeing,” Wintrode said. “But has just been something that has brought so many of us, so much joy.”

LeBron James even congratulated Claytor directly through a post on the social media site X. 

“I felt like I was ‘that guy’ you know, I’m really uplifted right now,” Claytor said. “I’m feeling great, and my confidence level is really high.”